September 2026 Features

• Growth in Income and Sales Taxes Boosts State Coffers in August

  September 14, 2026

  Georgia collected nearly $2.5 billion in net tax revenue in August, a 3.5% increase from August 2025, extending the overall year-over-year gains recorded in July.

• Georgia Awarded $500 Million in Water Infrastructure Grants

  September 11, 2026

  Governor Brian Kemp announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the state $499,385,000 to help communities impacted by Hurricane Helene strengthen the resilience of drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and respond to water-related emergencies.

• Jason Shepherd: I Read the Deal. Georgia Should Back the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Rail Merger

  September 11, 2026

  As an attorney, I always read the fine print before signing off.  And as a political practitioner, I know how often promises pass through Washington without making it home to Georgia.  So, when Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern agreed to merge into America’s first coast-to-coast railroad, my instinct was one that I’ve drilled into my students at Kennesaw State: read the deal before you decide.

• Georgia Chamber of Commerce Endorses Rick Jackson for Georgia Governor

  September 10, 2026

  The Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Free Enterprise Fund announced today its endorsement of Rick Jackson for the next Governor of Georgia, citing his extensive business experience, understanding of Georgia’s economy, and commitment to maintaining the state’s strong economic momentum.

• Mayors Across Georgia Sharpen Leadership Skills at Mayors Leadership Academy

  September 09, 2026

  More than 50 mayors gathered on the University of Georgia’s campus last month for the second offering of the immersive Mayors Leadership Academy, presented by the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute, operated in partnership between GMA and UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government.

• Governor Kemp Announces Another Record-Breaking Year for Economic Development Investments

  September 08, 2026

  Governor Brian Kemp, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, announced a new record in Fiscal Year 2026 with roughly $35.2 billion in project investments.

• Georgia DOT Earns Top Honors in 2026 America’s Transportation Awards

  September 02, 2026

  The Georgia Department of Transportation won two awards in the 2026 America's Transportation Awards during the Southern Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials annual conference.

• Georgia Ports Generates $181B in Economic Impact Annually, Supports 605,000 Jobs

  September 01, 2026

  Georgia’s ports support 605,616 full- and part-time jobs at Peach State businesses, yielding $44 billion in annual income, according to the latest study from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.